Wall construction



April 15, 1969 R. F. VEVODA WALL CONSTRUCTION Filed July 21, 1966 INVENTOR. #05527 M51004 f M ATTORNEYS April 15, 1969 R. F. VEVODA WALL CONSTRUCT ION Sheet ,2 of5 Filed July 21, 1966 NVENTOR. Hafiz/er F VEI/Ufl/J BY Wu Ql/WW ATTORNEYS April 15, 1969 R. F. VEVODA WALL CONSTRUCTION Sheet Filed July 21, 1966 flame n 51 464 Ez/ INVENTOR. fiaaifir f V'I/ODA Wu Q ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,438,163 WALL CONSTRUCTION Robert F. Vevoda, Creskill, N.J., assignor to Owens- Corning Fiberglas Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Filed July 21, 1966, Ser. No. 567,017 Int. Cl. E04b 1/66, 2/04; E04h 5/10 US. Cl. 52198 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a novel cold storage wall for use in refrigerated applications such as for dairy plants, meat processing rooms and the like. Further, this invention relates to an insulated wall having a Washable interior surface, and having built in means for removal of transmitted moisture from the insulation.

THE PROBLEM In an insulated wall, used between a relatively warm, humid zone and a relatively cool, dry zone, there exists the problem of moisture condensation in the insulation within the wall. It is known that moisture will move through all but the best vapor barrier materials from the warm, humid side towards the cool, dry side and condense somewhere in the insulation, at the dew point. Either the condensed moisture, or if it freezes, the ice so-formed will drastically reduce the efiiciency of the wall as a heat barrier by destroying the air spaces that normally prevent heat transfer through the insulation. Thus, the K factor is destroyed and heat transfer increases and the cycle continues with increasing intensity. An increased load is thereby placed on the air conditioning system of the building having such a wall construction.

Even the finest vapor barrier obtainable is usually penetrated by moisture because of seams, nail holes, small tears produced during construction, and the like. The problem is to remove the condensate. As is well known, vent holes through the cool side of the Wall are helpful but they only permit cold air to enter and pick up moisture from localized zones within the wall. The result is that many pockets of moisture are left in the wall which cause deterioration of the insulation and destruction of the K factor.

However, it is not possible in many instances to put vent holes through the cool side surface because of the material of which it is made; or, of the condition under which the cool side must be used. Thus, glazed brick, glazed tile and similar materials are not readily adapted to having vent holes placed in them. Further, when these materials, including plastic panels, are used in refrigerated rooms as for meat storage and the like, they have to be washed down periodically for sanitation reasons. If vent holes are placed in the cool side, this leads to unsanitary conditions resulting in bacterial growth. Further, when the wall is washed down, the water will splash through the vent holes and wet the insulation thereby destroying its efiiciency.

The design of cold storage facilities should provide for long-term storage of perishable commodities at a selected temperature and at an economical cost. The greater portion of initial and operating costs of such facilities is 3,438,163 Patented Apr. 15, 1969 associated with the insulation system. In turn, the chiciency of an insulation system over the long term is effected by moisture content. Thus, the principal concern is to insure that moisture will not be trapped within the insulation system.

Moisture control requires observance of the flowthrough principle, i.e., moisture that enters the insulation should be able to pass through so that vapor dams within the system are avoided. The primary source of moisture common to all locations is air-borne water vapor. If moisture remains trapped in the insulation, the long-term effect is an increase in both operating and maintenance costs. In cold storage operations, problems arise largely from the well known-but often incompletely understoodfact that in such structures, a relatively lower temperature must be continuously maintained over a long period of time. The wide temperature differential between inside and outside air imposes a. high water-vapor pressure difference which makes the moisture problem paramount.

In addition, expansion and contraction forces in the building under use conditions may rupture the vapor barrier and cause damage to the thermal and structural integrity of the facility.

According to the present invention, all of these things are taken into account in a carefully engineered vaporbarrier containing wall wherein the flow-through principle is used in providing a stable insulation structure, preventing shrinking, cracking and capable of absorbing building movement, and in its ultimate, being incombustible too.

Accordingly, it is an important object to provide a novel wall construction having built in means for removal of moisture from the insulation.

A further object is to provide a novel wall that is washable, but retains its insulating efficiency, as for refrigerated storage walls in dairy plants, meat processing plants and the like where the wall must be washed for sanitary requirements.

Other objects will appear in the following description and claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification.

FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a typical wall made in accordance with the invention, showing the components and one method of moisture removal;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1, between the horizontal studs, to show the open breather channel next to the insulation;

FIGURE 3 is vertical sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 1, of a wood stud installation showing fioor and ceiling details, with a splash plate at the floor for dairy, produce and ice cream facilities;

FIGURE 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 44 of FIGURE 3, to show a lap joint in the inte-rior surface panels;

FIGURE 5 is vertical sectional view similar to FIG- URE 3, of a wood stud installation showing floor and ceiling details, with a closure strip at the floor for meat processing rooms, to minimize bacterial growth;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary isometric view of the closure strip used at the floor of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG- URE 3 showing the use of a truly synthetic non-conducting stud member having a glass fiber web and reinforcing metal cap strips to produce a construction which is completely wood free and thus extremely rot resistant and substantially fire proof;

FIGURE 8 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line 88 of FIGURE 7; and

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the nonconducting stud employed in the structure of FIG- URE 7.

It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the details of construction shown in the drawings; and it is also to be understood that the terminology employed is for purposes of description and not of limitation.

Briefly, the novel wall of the present invention is a washable structure that is ideally suited for the interiors of refrigerated warehouses or commercial walk-in units. It is suitably of white color and provides an easily maintainable, sanitary, paint-free finish.

Fully as important as the washable interior surface is the fact that the wall is fully insulated and that provision is made for complete and automatic removal of any moisture that may work its way into the wall from the humid outside zone and collect in the insulation, and for the automatic removal of any moisture that may work its way into the insulation as the result of a moist environment generated on the interior as when the wall is flooded and washed down for sanitation purposes.

The wall may be characterized generally as having four principal component parts:

(1) A structural wall such as masonry or the like providing a principal support for the composite wall;

(2) A vapor-barrier membrane on the interior surface of the structural wall, component 1;

(3) Stud members and a substantial layer of high K factor insulation against the inside surface of the vaporbarrier material; this insulation material is supported in place by the stud members; and,

(4) An impervious, sanitary finished panel attached to the horizontal studs and covering the insulation and forming the interior surface of the combination wall. It is an important aspect of the interior wall covering that it contains open channel means so that, in combination with the insulation, all moisture vapors within the insulation are removed so that the K factor of the insulation is preserved at all times, thereby providing a substantial advancement to the art.

THE STRUCTURAL WALL As shown in FIGURE 1, this is designated by the numeral 20, and may comprise concrete blocks 22. Also, of course, the wall may be of brick construction or poured concrete reinforced with steel rods. The main point is that the wall 20 is a structural wall and that the outside is exposed to the ambient atmosphere which is considered a comparatively warmer, more humid zone and the wall 20 under normal construction standards will transmit moisture in the form of vapor from the exterior, warmer and more humid zone to the interior where the temperature is lower and the humidity is lower. Thus, there will be a transfer of moisture through the wall from the outside to the inside.

THE VAPOR BARRIER To the inside surface and in completely covering relation, there is applied a vapor-barrier material 24. One typical material is 6-8. mils polyethylene film installed on the walls and ceiling in 20' Wide, loosely, draped strips to allow for building movement. The extra-large width of the film expedities installation (fewer joints) and reduces the possible source of moisture leakage. It has been reported that the vapor barrier is the most important single component for a successful cold storage installation systern. Three common problems of vapor barriers are inadequate sealing of the joints, punctures caused by associated trades during construction, and inadequate provisions for expansion of the structure causing the subsequent fracture of the vapor barrier. Many years of experience in the low-temperature field have indicated that one of the most fool-proof cold storage vapor barriers is 6-8 mil polyethylene film. This material is supplied in Widths of 3' to and lengths of to 100' in clear or black. Protected from ultraviolet exposure, as it is in cold storage use, polyethylene is exceptionally durable. It has excellent stretch characteristics which enable it to give with normal movement of the structure. In a thickness of .006 it has a high degree of puncture-resistance and a water-vapor transmission rate of less than 0.08 perms. Because it also happens to be an eflicient vapor barrier of low cost, it is economical to overlap the joints a foot in order to assure elfective sealing of the joints. Of course, the availability of 20' wide rolls drastically reduces the number of joints to be sealed compared to conventional 3' to 4' wide vapor barriers.

It is important that expansion loops be provided in the vapor barrier at all intersections of plain surfaces such as wall-to-wall junctures, wall-to-ceiling junctures, etc. Actually, the vapor barriers should be as independent of the structure as possible except Where it is secured at certain points to facilitate installation. This will protect the vapor barrier from potential rupture. This is the free-hanging concept which has received considerable attention lately and it is most practical in the present system.

THE HORIZONTAL STUDS As shown in FIGURE 1, a plurality of horizontal studs 26 are employed for supporting both the insulation material and the inside wall covering. The use of durable construction materials inside coolers and freezers is the best way to prevent costly maintenance. It is recommended that all wood used inside a cooler or freezer be treated to resist rotting. The wood studs 26 illustrated in FIGURE 1, are suitably fastened to the concrete blocks 22 by conventional fastening means.

THE INSULATION This is indicated at 28 and for refrigeration purposes is suitably a cold storage wall insulation material. This is a fine-fibered batt insulation that comes in 2", 3" and 4" thicknesses in standard sizes 24" x 46%". Other sizes are also available from 10" x 20 up to 38" X 74 in A3 increments.

This material is held in place by suitable fasteners to the horizontal studs 26 and to the blocks 22 of the wall 20.

THE INTERIOR SURFACE MATERIAL The sanitary panels 30 are attached to the horizontal studs 26 by suitable fasteners. In FIGURE 4, screws 32 are illustrated as typical.

Each panel comprises a generally fiat body portion 34 with channels 36 extending outwardly therefrom. The channels are of generally trapezoidal cross-section with two nonparallel sides 38 and 40 extending from the flat body portion 34 to a forwardly projecting side 42 that is parallel to the flat body portion 34, but spaced inwardly toward the interior of the room a short distance from the flat body portion.

Each sanitary panel 30 is of a given width, say 3, with several of the channel structures 36 in parallel spaced sideby-side relationship extending along the length.

The manner in which the panels are lapped to provide edge joinder between one panel and the next is shown in FIGURE 4. Thus, the channels closest to the edges are overlapped, an exemplary distance of about 10" overlap, and the fasteners 32 inserted through both panels adjacent to the nonparallel sides 38 and 40, thereby securing the edges of both panels to the horizontal stud member.

As shown in FIGURES 2-4, the channels 36, being open at the back, provide a breather space 43 by which moisture can escape from the insulation material 28 as Well as from the horizontal stud members 26.

It will be noted in FIGURES 1 and 3 that there is a 2" space 44 between the bottom edge of the panel 30 and the floor surface 21. Also, there is a 2" space 46 at the top between the top edge of the panel 30 and the ceiling line 48. This provides a chimney-like effect so that air from the floor can flow upwardly as it is warmed within the channel 36 and thereby remove infiltrated moisture from both the insulation 28 and the horizontal stud members 26. In a cold room, air will flow from the bottom up because the air at the top is the warmest and as the air along the wall is warmed it will climb. From and along the ceiling, the humid air will circulate to the cooling coil of the air conditioning system and the moisture will be deposited on the coil in the form of frost and thus there will be a diffusion transfer from the insulation and the horizontal stud members to the coil. The result is automatic and effective dehydration of the insulation.

A permanent sanitary finish for refrigerated areas can be provided by Saniglas (registered trademark) panels 30. These are made of glass fiber reinforced polyester resin and are ideally suited for surfacing the interiors of refrigerated warehouses or commercial walk-in units. They are provided in reefer white color which is an easily maintainable, sanitary, paint-free finish. This material has a washable surface for use in refrigerated spaces in dairy, meat packaging and bakery facilities, and in food processing plants or other areas where sanitation is an important consideration. The smooth surface prevents the accumulation of dirt and grime and may be easily and rapidly cleaned simply by hosing down, thus restoring its clean sanitary appearance. It has been approved by the United States Government, receiving an MID (Meat Inspection Division) classification.

These panels are odorless, and because of the hard, nonporous finish, will not trap odors that might impart objectionable flavors or otherwise contaminate foodstuffs.

Because the reefer white color is imparted by pigment that is integral throughout the panel, there is no peeling nor loss of surface finish that is so characteristic of painted materials. Made of durable polyester reinforced with glass fibers, the panels are invulnerable to impacts and abuse that crack or deface other types of materials. The panels are easily installed with conventional metal fasteners and the overlap design eliminates need for plastering seams. These are available in a thickness of 0.039, a 50%" overall width including an overlap at the ribs making a net 48" width, and in lengths as required up to 24'. The reinforced polyester has a fiexural strength of 29,360 psi. tested in accordance with ASTM D790-49T; a flexural modulus of 1.6 p.s.i. 10, tested in accordance with ASTM D790-49T; and a tensile strength of 16,740 p.s.i. tested in accordance with ASTM D738-52T.

THE DAIRY, PRODUCE AND ICE CREAM FACIL- ITY INSTALLATION; FIGURES 1 AND 3 'As previously mentioned relative to FIGURE 1, an advantage of the inventon is the washability of the interior wall surface while at the same time providing for egress Referring more particularly now to FIGURE 3, it Will be noted that the sill plate 50 is positioned directly at the floor line 21. Twelve (12") inches above the sill plate 50 there is positioned the next horizontal stud 52. A splash plate 54 of glass-fiber reinforced polyester plastic or the like of 12 width is installed between the sill plate 50 and the first 12 horizontal stud 52. It will be understood that the horizontal splash plate 54 is a rectangular or strip-like member approximately 12" wide. Accordingly, one longitudinal edge is placed against the floor 21 and suitably sealed as by a cement bead 56. The upper edge is secured to the 12" horizontal stud 52 as by screws 32, inserted from the outside of the Saniglas panels in the nature of FIGURE 4. Thus, they extend through the panels and through the splash plate 54 so that the screw heads are on the outside.

It will be understood that a hose can be directed against the wall and against the base for cleansing and that the splash plate in combination with the sanitary panels provides a trap to keep the splash at the floor and prevent it from going up behind the panel and into the in sulation. Also, the sill plate is protected against moisture by the splash plate 54.

THE MEAT PROCESSING ROOM INSTALLATION; FIGURE 5 Bacterial growth in a meat processing operation is a factor which must be guarded against. Accordingly, a modification of the wall of the invention is provided at the floor to prevent such, as shown in FIGURE 5.

The sill plate 50 is placed directly at the floor line 21 with normal 36" to 48" horizontal stud spacing 26 above the sill plate. To prevent bacterial growth at the floorwall juncture, a closure strip 58 is installed behind the sanitary panel 30. This is a foamed plastic strip having a mating configuration to the backside of the sanitary panel. A cement joint is provided between the sill plate 50 and the back of the filler strip and between the bottom rear surfaces of the panels 30 and the front of the filler strip. Also, adhesive is used at the edges of the panels. This forms a seal between the closure strip 58 and the panels 30 at the wall-floor juncture and at the vertical joints between the panels. The seal is carefully made to prevent water reaching the insulation behind the panel and to prevent entrapment of foreign matter at joints which might promote bacterial growth. It will be noted that the bottom of each panel 30 is directly on the floor 21.

Vertical joints between the panels are effected by overlapping the panels one rib as indicated in FIGURE 4. The panels 30 are secured on the horizontal studs with suitable metal fasteners, one fastener on each side of the rib for a tough steel-like finish as shown in FIGURE 4. It will be noted that the 2" space 46 is maintained at the top. In this embodiment of the invention, any moisture which finds its way into the insulation layer 28 will be able to freely diffuse up through the breather space 43' and out the space 46 and find its way to the refrigeration coil along the arrow line 62.

Thus, the general principle of the present invention is also inherent in the meat processing room installation of FIGURE 5, to wit a free passage on the relatively cooler side of the insulation by which moisture within the installation can diffuse to and deposit upon cooling coil of the air conditioning system.

THE NONCONDUCTING STUD EMBODIMENT In the prior art, it has been the practice to insulate freezer rooms using wood wall studs and ceiling joints to hold insulation materials therebetween. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that wood provides a substantial fire hazard, a substantial heat-transfer path from the outside to the inside, particularly when wet, and is subject to dry rot. Thus, wood has serious drawbacks for cold storage insulation applications. Accordingly, the important step forward in the art would be provided by novel insulated wall construction that is completely free of wood, and thus highly advantageous for refrigerated storage applications. This is provided within the scope of the invention as will be apparent in the description of FIGURES 7-9.

Here an important step forward in the art is provided by novel nonconducting studs which are substructural members providing low-thermal conductivity to retain and support the thermal insulations from subzero freezers to the upper temperature limits of refrigerated coolers. These units are available in depths from 4" to 10" and lengths up to 24'. In accordance with the invention, the use of these novel substructural members provides complete exclusion of wood from cold storage wall insulations, provides an increased fire-safety factor, reduces costly heatgain, characterizing wood members, and eliminates the possibility of dry rot in lumber.

As shown in FIGURE 9, a novel substructural member 64 comprises a heat-insulating core 66 of generally rectangular section. The core has opposed major surfaces 68 and opposed longitudinal edges 70. An important aspect of the core 66 is that it has body or stiffness. This comprises porous glass fibers, in a preferred aspect, wherein the fibers are bonded together at the points of contact by thermosetting resin typified by cured phenolic resin. A preferred fibrous glass web material comprises /2 lbs. per cubic foot density bonded wool, about 1 /2" thick. It is inherent in webs of this density that they are substantially porous and are thereby clearly distinguishable from laminates wherein resin fills all spaces between reinforcement fibers. Also, these webs are clearly distinguishable from wood because of the distinct open porosity and the inorganic versus organic nature of the fibers. Caps 72 of metal are placed along each longitudinal edge 70. Various kinds of caps can be used but the one shown in FIGURES 7-9 is a U-shaped section channel wherein the legs 74 of the U embrace the major surfaces 68 of the core 66, adajacent to the longitudinal edges 7.0. Note that a substantial void space exists between opposing legs 74 of the opposed metal caps 72. It will be noted that the closed end or bight portion of the U extends to either side to form a flange 76. The broad outside or exposed surface of the flange provides a substantial surface 78 for attachment of the interior finishing material as shown in FIGURE 7.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the caps 72 are made of extruded aluminum to provide a finished unit weighing less than 2 lbs. per lineal foot at a web depth of 4" to 8". The combination substructural member is novel because of the lightweight and low-strength web. Unexpectedly, the lightweight web in combination with the strong edge caps displays a high-strength, and as a result, the invention has met with outstanding commercial success.

As further shown in FIGURE 9, the caps 72 are held in place against the longitudinal edges 70 by means of glass fiber reinforced plastic straps 80. These are fastened at the ends to the legs 74 of the cap member 72 as by rivets or screws 82.

The manner in which the novel stud member is used in the novel wall construction is illustrated in FIGURE 7, being analogous to the previous description of FIGURES 1-3. Thus, a nonconducting stud is turned on its edge and used as a sill plate 84 in FIGURE 7 for a dairy-type installation. At 12" above-thefloor, a nonconducting stud 86 is employed as in FIGURE 3 and a horizontal splash plate 54 has its longitudinal edges attached to these two members with one edge abutting the floor line 21. The remaining installation is analogous to FIGURE 3 and by so operating, the vertical breather spaces 43 are provided whereby moisture can diffuse out of the insulation layer 28 and be deposited upon the cooling coil of the refrigeration system.

Within the scope of the invention, structural wall as used herein may include masonry or wood construction.

Within the scope of the invention, the vapor barrier membrane may comprise other materials such as heavy weight aluminum foil. The advantages of polyethylene sheeting have been pointed out.

Within the scope of the invention, insulation may be construed as substantially any relatively nonheat-conducting material including those made of inorganic fibers, organic fibers treated to resist burning, foamed materials such as glass and resins, and the like. The advantages of glass fiber are evident by commercial success.

Within the scope of the invention, the interior panels may be made of reinforced plastics as disclosed, and may also comprise baked enamel metal panels and equivalent moisture-resistant materials of contruction. The advantages of the reinforced plastics have been pointed out.

I claim:

1. In a cold storage wall for use between a relatively warm humid zone and a relatively cool dry zone:

a structural wall extending vertically and having an exterior surface exposed to the relatively warm humid zone and an interior surface exposed to the relatively cool dry zone, and said interior surface extending from a fioor line to a ceiling line,

a vapor barrier membrane of polyethylene film of about 6 to about 8 mils thickness secured to said interior surface of said structural wall to impede the diffusion of ambient moisture through said structural wall into said relatively cool dry zone,

horizontally disposed, vertically spaced stud members secured to said structural wall over said vapor barrier membrane from floor line to ceiling line,

each said horizontal stud member comprising a web of random laid inorganic fibers, bonded together at points of intersection by hardened bonding material, with interstices between the fibers, the web being of light weight and substantially porous, said web having opposed major surfaces and opposed longitudinal edges,

structurally strong cap members over said longitudinal edges and portions only of said major surfaces adjacent to said longitudinal edges, and means holding said structurally strong cap members in place against said longitudinal edges, whereby stresses in said nonconducting stud member are carried by said cap members and forces Within the web remain essentially neutral,

thermal insulation means filling the spaces between said stud members and extending as a layer substantially from said floor line to said ceiling line,

a plurality of internal wall covering plate members secured to said stud members, covering said stud members and most of said insulation, and said plate members being impervious and including open channel means facing said insulation means and said stud members and having portions of said channel means open to said relatively cool dry zone, said internal wall covering plate members being made of glass fiber reinforced plastic and being of rectangular shape having a longitudinal dimension and longitudinal edges, with said channel means extending along the longitudinal dimension and at least one channel means positioned adjacent to each longitudinal edge, and said panels having the longitudinal dimension positioned vertically on said horizontal stud members and having the longitudinal edge channel means overlapped on adjacent panels to provide an impervious vertical joint between adjacent panels,

said internal wall covering plate members having a length such that said channel means stop short of said floor and ceiling lines thereby providing a vertical chimney efiect for diffusion of moisture out of said insulation and out of said stud members to said relatively cool dry zone,

a horizontal stud positioned at the floor line as a sill plate and a second horizontal stud positioned in parallel alignment at least about 12 inches above the floor line,

a splash plate of flat plate-like construction and rectangular shape having one longitudinal edge extending along the fioor line and abutting said sill plate at the back surface and having the other longitudinal edge abutting said second horizontal stud at the back surface,

and said internal wall covering plate members being secured to said stud members over said splash plate, whereby said splash plate prevents wash down liquid from reaching the insulation and stud members on being applied to the exposed interior surfaces of said splash plate and said wall covering plate members.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said means holding said cap members in place comprise strap members extending between said cap members and secured to said cap members.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said strap members comprise glass fiber reinforced plastic.

4. The invention of claim 3 wherein said web of said stud member comprises bonded glass wool fibers having a density in the range from about 8 lbs. to about 20 lbs. per cubic foot, said caps, each including a U-section channel receiving said longitudinal edges of said web,

said channels each including legs embracing portions only of the major surfaces of said web with open space between opposed legs, and said holding straps extending between opposed legs of said caps and having the ends in contact with said legs,

and means securing the ends of said straps to said legs of said cap channel.

5. In a cold storage wall for use between a relatively warm humid zone and a relatively cool dry zone:

a structural Wall extending vertically and having an exterior surface exposed to the relatively warm humid zone and an interior surface exposed to the relatively cool dry zone, and said interior surface extending from a floor line to a ceiling line,

a vapor barrier membrane secured to said interior surface of said structural wall to impede the diffusion of ambient moisture through said structural wall into said relatively cool dry zone,

horizontally disposed, vertically spaced stud members secured to said structural wall over said vapor barrier membane from floor line to ceiling line,

thermal insulation means filling the spaces between said stud members and extending as a layer substantially from said floor line to said ceiling line,

a plurality of internal wall covering plate members secured to said stud members, covering said stub members and most of said installation, and said plate members being impervious and including open channel means facing said insulation means and said stud members and having portions of said channel means open to said relatively cool dry zone, thereby providing a free diffusion passage for moisture from said insulation and from said stud members to said relatively cool dry zone,

said internal wall covering members being made of glass fiber reinforced plastic and of rectangular shape having a longitudinal dimension and longitudinal edges, with said channel means extending along the longitudinal dimension and at least one channel means positioned adjacent to each longitudinal edge, and said panels having the longitudinal dimension positioned vertically on said horizontal stud members and having the longitudinal edge channel means overlapped on adjacent panels to provide an impervious vertical joint between adjacent panels,

a horizontal stud positioned at the floor line as a sill plate,

a filler strip having a mating configuration to the back surface of said internal wall covering plate members, positioned against said sill plate,

said internal wall covering plate members having a length extending from the floor line to just short of the ceiling line and with the bottom edges being positioned over said filler strip,

and cement seal means between said filler strip and said wall covering plate members and between overlapped edges of said wall covering plate members,

whereby said channel means stop short of the ceiling line thereby providing a free passage open at the top for diffusion of moisture out of said insulation and out of said stud members to said relatively cool dry zone.

6. The invention of claim 5 wherein said vapor barrier is a polyethylene film from about 6 to about 8 mils thickness and said stud members are wood, treated to resist moisture.

7. The invention of claim 5 wherein each horizontal stud member comprises a web of random laid inorganic fibers, bonded together at the points of intersection by hardened bonding material, with interstices between the fibers, the web being of lightweight and substantially porous, said web having opposed major surfaces and opposed longitudinal edges,

structurally strong cap members covering said longitudinal edges and portions only of said major surfaces adjacent to said longitudinal edges,

and means holding said structurally strong cap members in place against said longitudinal edges, whereby stresses in said noncondueting stud members are carried by said cap members and force within the web remain essentially neutral.

8. The invention of claim 7 wherein said means holding said cap members in place comprise strap members extending between said cap members and secured to said cap members.

9. The invention of claim 8 wherein said strap members comprise glass fiber reinforced plastic.

10. The invention of claim 9 wherein said web of said stud member comprises bonded glass wool fibers having a density in the range from about 8 lbs. to about 20 lbs. per cubic foot, said caps, each including a U-section channel receiving said longitudinal edges of said web,

said channels each including legs embracing portions only of the major surfaces of said Webs, with open space between opposed legs, and said holding straps extending between opposed legs of said caps and having the ends in contact with said legs, and means securing the ends of said straps to said legs of said channels.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,209,816 7/1940 Grapp 220-15 2,292,365 8/1942 More 62-273 2,258,402 10/1941 Baillie 62-273 2,612,028 9/1952 Schnabel 62-273 2,791,463 5/1957 Levitt 296-31 2,804,657 9/ 1957 Munters 52-303 FOREIGN PATENTS 421,628 8/1956 Germany.

OTHER REFERENCES W. R. Meadows Inc., Why Premoulded Vapor Seal,

Catalog No. 1660, copyright 1959, W. R. Meadows, Inc., pp. 1, 3 and 6.

HENRY C. SUTHERLAND, Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 

